The Turnbull Government today announced a Commonwealth Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and has invited states, territories and other non-government institutions to join the scheme to deliver redress to the survivors.

As a former ward of the state, Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons, has played an important role in the development of this scheme which is about institutions making amends and recognising the harm that was caused to children while in their care.

Mr Irons has been advocating for a redress scheme for several years and played an integral role in the National apology to Forgotten Australians in 2009.

“The Government is leading by example by setting up the Commonwealth Redress scheme to provide redress for survivors of child sexual abuse in Commonwealth institutions. They are inviting other governments and institutions to ‘opt-in’ to the Commonwealth scheme on the ‘responsible entity pays’ basis recommended by the Royal Commission,” Mr Irons said.

Since being elected in 2007, Mr Irons has worked tirelessly to be the voice in Parliament for those who were abused in institutional care.

In his maiden speech, Mr Irons said he wanted to bring a National focus to this issue.

Mr Irons is a patron of an organisation formed to assist victims and was among the first to call for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse.

“I have admired the courage of victims as they provided evidence across the country,” Mr Irons said.

“This Commonwealth Redress scheme is a result of their courage to provide that evidence.”

The Commonwealth scheme is expected to be established by 2018 and will offer a direct personal response for those survivors who seek it.

The Government will also establish an independent advisory council to provide advice on the implementation of the scheme.